A friend of mine told me about an incident that occurred on a mission trip to the jungles deep within the Amazon. I thought it to be quite interesting and poignant to those of us who find ourselves in a more modern setting. My buddy said something like this:
“One of the reasons I go on missions trips (three this year) is to realign my biblical worldview perspective with a first-hand look at other people inhabiting our planet.
On my last trip to the Amazon I was dealing with a brother who came forward at our little church service to reconcile his life with Christ. I’ve been to his home and it is very simple and in fact has no doors or windows. There is no furniture aside from hammocks for each member of the family hanging from the ceiling to sleep in and a few clothes on a nail in the wall comprise the family wardrobe.
So as we talked I asked him “What are the things that move you away from Christ?”
He reflected on it for a moment and then replied “The distractions of this world.”
Hmmm . . . I suppose we are kindred spirits with all of the world. Each person feels the pull of the world as the battle inside us rages. Oddly the pull feels identical whether one is living the life of a multi-millionaire in the most complex society the earth has ever known, or a simple tribesman in a remote jungle.
It just goes to prove that the spiritual warfare for our hearts and souls is being waged primarily in our minds. As for God, well He will allow us as much of Himself as we will allow Him. He stands at the door and knocks awaiting each of us to let him in.
As you prepare for New Year’s Eve will you be distracted by the pull of the world, or are you determined to focus on Jesus?
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
December 31, 2015 – Click here to listen